Colorado Buffaloes head football coach Deion Sanders embraces Peggy Coppom during the Colorado vs. Le Moyne women’s basketball game on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023. (Clementine Miller/CU Independent)
Today, the University of Colorado Boulder community celebrates a special milestone: the 100th birthday of Peggy Coppom, an iconic figure who has become synonymous with the spirit of CU Boulder.
There is no bigger fan of CU Boulder football than Coppom, one of “CU’s Twins.” Known for her warm heart, unwavering dedication to CU Athletics and close-knit relationship with head football coach Deion Sanders, Coppom’s centenarian milestone is about more than just the passing of time. It’s a time to honor a woman whose legacy has profoundly shaped the CU Boulder community.
Born in 1924, Coppom has spent much of her life rooted in the CU Boulder community. She has been a beloved matriarch for generations of Buffs fans, alumni and students alike.
Her connection with CU Boulder began long before the Buffaloes were a household name in college football and, over the years, she’s become an unofficial ambassador of the program. Despite the COVID-induced closure of public seating to CU football games, she has only missed 3 at-home games since 1966. Starting her CU legacy in the 1940s, she has attended countless games, supported various teams and formed friendships with countless coaches, athletes and fans.
This Saturday, during the fourth quarter of the Utah v. CU game, Coppom was brought to tears by the entirety of Folsom Field singing her happy birthday. As one half of the iconic CU Twins, this moment was emotional as she is celebrating her birthday without her sister, Betty Coppom, who passed away in 2020.
Additionally, she was featured in the Big Noon Kickoff pregame show on Fox when they came to campus Saturday.
Of the many coaches that she has befriended, her unique and deeply personal connection with Sanders is different- it’s a special bond that transcends the typical coach-player or coach-fan dynamic.
Earlier this year, Sanders promised Coppom he’d get the team to a bowl game in her honor. He fulfilled that promise after Colorado’s sixth win in late October against Cincinnati. His first call from the locker room after the win was to Coppom, who had missed the game after a COVID-19 diagnosis.
“Oh my gosh I am so happy. Thank you, my gosh what a turnaround you’ve done for us,” Coppom said.
“What we’ve done,” Sanders responded. “Peggy, first and foremost we love you, we appreciate you and we wanna thank you and congratulate you for being able to go to a bowl game this year.”
For Sanders, Coppom represents spirit and loyalty, a reminder of what the program stands for beyond wins and losses.
To understand Coppom’s significance to CU Boulder is to understand the heart of what college athletics are all about: community, tradition and passion. Over the years, she has become a symbol of Buffalo pride. Whether it was watching CU win national championships or enduring seasons of rebuilding, her commitment never wavered.
Her 100th birthday celebration is more than just a party; it is a testament to her influence on the CU community. She has attended fundraisers, supported scholarships, and served as a mentor to young students and athletes.
After the team secured a bowl game, Sanders set his sights on giving Coppom the best experience possible.
“Now we just got to get a private plane to make sure she’s comfortable on the way there,” Sanders said. “Yeah, we ain’t putting Peggy on the regular plane.”
Whether or not the Buffs make it all the way to the College Football Playoffs this season, one thing is certain: Coppom’s love for CU will remain unshakable, and her place in the university’s history is secure.
She has been for 58 years, and continues to be, a permanent season ticket holder, of seat 29 in row 48 at the top of section 104, just off the 35-yard line. This season, just like every other, she’s sat through every home game, shaking her gold pom pom in the air.
“CU Boulder is part of my heart,” Coppom said during her birthday celebration, smiling as she looked around at the familiar faces gathered to honor her. “And no matter where I go, I’ll always be a Buff.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Charlotte Smith at charlotte.smith-1@colorado.edu.
Contact CU Independent Managing Editor Lincoln Roch at lincoln.roch@colorado.edu.
